Newport Aquarium Tours and Activities

Newport Aquarium featuring night scenes and marine life
Newport Aquarium featuring night scenes and marine life
Newport Aquarium which includes marine life
Newport Aquarium showing interior views and marine life
Newport Aquarium which includes marine life and interior views as well as an individual female


Find yourself face-to-face with thousands of aquatic species from around the world at this popular aquarium just across the river from Cincinnati.

At the Newport Aquarium more than 7,000 aquatic creatures from every continent live in more than one million gallons (nearly four million liters) of water. Experience the sensation of being surrounded by deep-sea creatures and river fish as you wander through the long tunnels of one of the most visited aquariums in the Midwest. Go to Shark Central to touch ocean predators. Learn about other dangerous and deadly fish, or gaze at bizarre and beautiful species.

The Newport Aquarium has been a favorite for locals and visitors since it opened in 1999. The displays are great for families with small children as they are somewhat limited. You can easily browse the entire aquarium in about two hours.

Immerse yourself in a world of water and encounter creatures from all over the globe. Walk through tunnels where you may find yourself surrounded by sharks. See-through floors show shoals of colorful reef fish under your feet. Meet Sweet Pea and Scooter, the local stars of the worlds’ first endangered shark ray breeding program.

Embrace your fear and touch the perfectly safe sharks in Shark Central. Visit the mesmerizing Jellyfish Gallery, where you’ll see the poisonous lionfish and stonefish. Gator Alley has more dangerous creatures, including many types of crocodiles. Far less frightening are the tiny seahorses and turtles in the ocean displays.

Every day, 15 minutes after opening, one lucky child is chosen to be the Grand Marshall and lead the daily Penguin Parade. Anyone can go backstage at the Coral Reef Tank, Giant Shark Tank and Amazon River Tank for an extra fee.

The Newport Aquarium is part of Newport on the Levee entertainment center, a 10-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati, crossing the Dan C. Beard Bridge over the Ohio River. The TANK shuttle bus from downtown Cincinnati stops near the complex. If you are driving here on a weekend, consider visiting in the afternoon or at night as the paid car park fills up quickly in the mornings.

The aquarium, café and gift shop are open daily. Opening hours are seasonal, so check the website for exact times.

The aquarium can get very crowded. During peak hours, there’s sometimes a “timed-ticket policy,” with entry times booked in advance online. If you haven’t booked a set entry time, you may be asked to come back later.

Plan a trip to see Newport Aquarium

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Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG
The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection

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Best Lodging Options Near Newport Aquarium

Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati

Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati

2.5 out of 5
275 Columbia Street Newport KY
Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
668 W 5th St Covington KY
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
Homewood Suites By Hilton Newport Cincinnati

Homewood Suites By Hilton Newport Cincinnati

3 out of 5
201 West 4th Street Newport KY
Homewood Suites By Hilton Newport Cincinnati
Aloft Newport On The Levee

Aloft Newport On The Levee

3 out of 5
201 E 3rd St Newport KY
Aloft Newport On The Levee
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

4 out of 5
151 West Fifth Street Cincinnati OH
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

4.5 out of 5
609 Walnut St Cincinnati OH
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter

Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter

3.5 out of 5
10 E Rivercenter Blvd Covington KY
Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter
AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks

AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks

4 out of 5
135 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati OH
AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

4 out of 5
701 Broadway Street Cincinnati OH
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Newport Aquarium

Newport Aquarium offers a variety of fun experiences, including admission to the aquarium and nearby attractions like the zoo. Visitors can enjoy exciting activities such as baseball, sports events, and live music in the area. With a range of select exhibits and engaging experiences, there's plenty to explore for an unforgettable visit in Newport, Kentucky.

Shopping

For shopping near Newport Aquarium, check out Newport on the Levee, just 161m away, offering entertainment and vibrant city vibes. Findlay Market, 3.2km away, features local businesses, while Riverside Centre Antique Mall, located 4.8km away, is perfect for unique finds. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring other nearby shopping options.

Recreation

Explore the Cincinnati Observatory Center for a serene experience under the stars, only 8.0km from the aquarium. Catch a game at Great American Ball Park, just 966m away, for an energetic atmosphere. Enjoy live music at Riverbend Music Center, also 8.0km from your location.

Adventure

Experience Ride The Ducks Newport, an outdoor adventure that takes you on a unique land and water tour. For a whimsical ride, enjoy Carol Ann’s Carousel, an amusement ride showcasing beautiful artistry. For a scenic hike, explore the California Trailhead, offering outdoor adventure vibes and stunning views.

Nightlife

After exploring the Newport Aquarium, enjoy the vibrant nightlife at local bars like the beloved The Gruff, known for its craft beers, or the lively Newport on the Levee, featuring a range of restaurants and entertainment options along the riverfront, perfect for an evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Newport Aquarium

Explore the vibrant attractions near Newport Aquarium, including urban parks, historic sites, and event venues that cater to culture, family outings, and outdoor adventures. Don't miss the chance to visit the Cincinnati Zoo and the home zoo, alongside the thrilling Newport Aquarium and Adventure Aquarium. Many of these experiences offer free admission, making them perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking memorable activities in the area.

  • Fountain Square: This vibrant piazza is a hub of culture and city life, located 1.6km from Newport Aquarium. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, featuring local events, art installations, and delightful eateries where you can savour the flavours of the region.
  • John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge: A remarkable historic bridge situated 1.3km from the aquarium, it offers stunning views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. Its impressive architecture reflects the rich cultural heritage of the area, making it a perfect spot for photos.
  • MainStrasse Village: This charming historic village, 1.6km away, boasts beautiful cobblestone streets, unique shops, and fantastic dining options. Experience the quaint ambiance and European flair, with local festivals adding to its cultural charm.

Best time to go to Newport Aquarium

The best time to visit Newport Aquarium is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February34.5°F (1.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December37.6°F (3.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Newport Aquarium

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  • Consider traveling to Newport Aquarium during the low season (December to February) for more affordable options.
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